Lessons Learned from the Past: Tracing Sustainable Strategies in the Architecture of Al-Ula Heritage Village

Abstract

The architecture of Al-Ula Heritage Village offers valuable lessons for sustainable strategies adaptable to contemporary architecture. By studying the green strategies employed in Al-Ula Heritage Village, insights into heritage villages’ future preservation and ecological development are gained. This study investigates Al-Ula’s historical buildings’ environmental, cultural, and social sustainable strategies. Ecological design principles include preserving natural conditions, urban design, site planning, and human comfort. Cultural considerations incorporate embracing change, integrating sustainable design strategies, protecting cultural heritage, engaging the community, and leveraging digital preservation tools. Social sustainability involves preserving cultural heritage, community engagement, and promoting social cohesion. A comprehensive conceptual framework for environmental, cultural, and social sustainability is developed and employed. Primary data from the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities and the existing literature on traditional Saudi vernacular architecture are utilized. The findings highlight the effectiveness of ancient design strategies such as topography preservation, non-disturbance of natural hydraulic processes, and the integration of open spaces. Urban design principles like mixed-use development, pollution reduction, and human comfort considerations are prevalent. The study outcomes emphasize the importance of cultural and social considerations. The study concludes that green architecture can be achieved through the thoughtful adaptation of traditional techniques, demonstrating how sustainable design rooted in historical practices can serve as a model for future developments.

1. Introduction

The sustainable strategies used in the architecture of Al-Ula Heritage Village can be traced by drawing upon lessons learned from various sources. The vernacular architecture of the village integrates open spaces and inherently sustainable design strategies, contributing to the village’s rehabilitation and positively impacting historic preservation, local economic growth, and urban development [1,2]. The village’s vernacular architecture and use of local construction materials reflect the local environment and social culture, making it an essential part of Saudi national identity [3]. The preservation and reconstruction of vernacular heritage architecture in hot, arid climates, such as Saudi Arabia, can have positive social, economic, and environmental effects [4]. Preserved heritage areas strengthen social and cultural identity, improve the financial sector, and provide better thermal conditions and outdoor thermal comfort [5]. The application of urban sustainable design strategies for the development and rehabilitation of heritage villages has been emphasized in the literature [3,6,7]. Integrating bioclimatic and ecological elements into traditional design is essential for future sustainability efforts [8]. The sustainable aspects of vernacular architecture, such as local knowledge incorporating traditional wisdom and practices, are crucial for developing sustainable methods tailored to specific contexts and regions [9]. The role of vernacular architecture and urban design in promoting sustainability has been emphasized, especially compared to contemporary metropolitan areas, highlighting the valuable lessons that can be drawn from vernacular architectural and urban strategies [10].

Moreover, the role of architecture as a cultural sustainability factor, which underlines the fundamental role of architectural practices, has been stressed, emphasizing the significance of architectural practices in contributing to sustainable development [11]. Additionally, investigating climate-responsive solutions in vernacular architecture has demonstrated the importance of adapting to climatic conditions for sustainable development [12]. Furthermore, integrating environmental sustainability principles in adaptive reuse, which embraces resource efficiency, waste reduction, and preserving valuable building materials through interior architectural design, has been recognized as a strategy for achieving sustainable design [13]. Consequently, traditional architecture in Jordan and Yemen, as seen in the studies by Almatarneh [14] and Ahmed [15], demonstrates the integration of local context, climate, culture, and indigenous knowledge to achieve sustainability. These traditional buildings incorporate energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and regional materials [14,15]. Altassan’s study [16] on a heritage village in Saudi Arabia emphasizes the importance of investing in eco-tourism and integrating cultural and environmental elements to promote sustainability. Vitti’s paper [17] highlights the role of restoration and conservation of historic buildings in providing models for new sustainable architecture. Finally, Dweik’s research [18] on Palestinian villages showcases these communities’ self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyles, offering insights into sustainable strategies.

By studying and applying lessons learned from the past, Al-Ula Heritage Village can develop sustainable strategies that respect its cultural heritage and promote environmental, economic, and social aspects. Saleh et al. [19] explore the taxonomy of 21st-century architectural practices within sustainability and technology. By merging these perceptions, it is evident that sustainable strategies in the architecture of Al-Ula Heritage Village can benefit sustainability, with lessons learned from urban sustainable design, vernacular architecture, climate-responsive solutions, adaptive reuse, and the cultural significance of architecture contributing to sustainability. Although Al-Ula Old Village has immense importance in heritage tourism and in documenting the history of vernacular architecture in Saudi Arabia, there is a gap in the research carried out to study the sustainability of Al-Ula’s vernacular architecture in depth. The study’s main objective is to trace the sustainable strategies in Al-Ula Heritage Village by developing the conceptual framework of sustainable design created by Kim and Righton [20]. Among other principles, the developed conceptual framework proposes principles, strategies, and methods for human design and cultural and social sustainability. These strategies and methods will be used as a guide to trace the sustainable strategies adopted in Al-Ula Heritage Village.

2. Study Background

2.1. Introduction to Al-Ula

Al-Ula, located in the Wadi Al-Qura, has significant historical and geographical importance in the Arabian Peninsula due to its underground water resources and strategic location along the Frankincense Road [21]. As shown in Figure 1a,b, its location, approximately 325 km north of Madinah, 1100 km from Riyadh, and 110 km southwest of Tayma, places it in a pivotal position within the region [22]. The valley-oriented Mayid’s sandstone massif and the Harrat’ Uwayrid lava fields further contribute to the unique geographical setting of Al-Ula [23]. This historical and geographical significance has played a crucial function in the history of the Arabian Peninsula, making Al-Ula an essential part of the region’s heritage and identity [24].

The dense urban fabric of the old village of Al-Ula, also known as Al-Deira, is composed of two historic neighborhoods: the Al-Halaf Quarter, south of the Citadel “Qalat Mussa Ibn Nussair”, and the Ashqaiq Quarter, north of the Citadel (see Figure 2a,b). The urban area spans 67,286 square meters and includes 908 housing units and public buildings connected by narrow paths (see Figure 3b), totaling over 3135 linear meters, and around 260 covered lanes, such as Tayara and Skifa [25].

2.2. History of Al-Ula Old Town

The old village of Al-Ula holds significant historical and archaeological importance, being classified as one of the world’s three most important Islamic archaeological cities [16]. The village represents a distinctive model for Islamic cities, with its construction dating back to the seventh century AH/thirteenth AD and its houses being built from the ruins of ancient buildings, particularly from the Khraibeh area. The deliberate damage by some individuals and the lack of interest in the village, a common challenge faced by heritage sites, has led to its abandonment and the destruction of many landmarks, including the historic castle of Musa bin Nusair. One example is the removal of timber logs to ignite a fire. Another example is using stone ruins to build new houses in nearby urban areas. The presence of inscriptions, writings, and decorations on many of its stones further emphasizes the historical and cultural significance of the village.

Al-Ula Heritage Village is a typical Arabian village where people from the oasis lived until the 20th century and relocated some eight decades ago due to economic, environmental, and social factors that prompted residents to seek better opportunities and living conditions elsewhere. It was built on an elevated valley area to prevent damage from potential floods in the rainy season. The village had more than 1000 houses built adjacent to each other at its highest expansion, creating a wall-like structure around the city to protect the population because of the proximity and crowdedness of dwellings. It is in the Wadi Al-Qura, a north–south-oriented valley between the Harrat ‘Uwayrid lava fields on the west and the Jibal Ath-Thumayid sandstone massif. This valley played a significant role because of its underground water supplies that sustain the growth of crops, palm trees, and other vegetation and its strategic position along the center road (Figure 4).

Tilting from the Al-Ain side, as depicted in Figure 5a,b, the houses extend toward the street from the southern side of the village, Roqaya, where the nucleus of the urban village in the south was its cemetery, linking to farms on the eastern side. As the town was connected to the farms, there was no road in that area; the farms surrounded Al-Ain, and the central and northern regions were all lands (see Figure 4). With the development of time and the increase in the urban area, the village extended towards the water of Al-Ain and its environment. The mountains limited urbanization on the western side, so the village could not extend here. In Rakia, the market area towards the south, the cemetery was one of the determinants of growth, so the village expanded on the eastern side (Figure 5a).

2.3. Weather Conditions

The average annual temperature in Al-Ula is around 25 degrees and varies significantly between seasons (Figure 6a). The average monthly temperature in summer is 32 degrees due to orthogonal radiation. The effect of the sun depends on the clarity of the air, and the hot continental dry winds contribute to the average maximum temperature. The temperature can reach 40 degrees but reduces to 25 degrees with elevation and falls smoothly. Figure 6b shows the monthly average rainfall. The monthly average humidity is depicted in Figure 7a. The climate of Al-Ula in the winter tends to be cold, with a monthly average of 15 degrees, dropping to 9 degrees in January (Figure 7b).

3. Materials and Methods

In the quest to identify the sustainable strategies adopted in Al-Ula Heritage Village, the first stage of the research involved analyzing the fundamental theoretical and methodological ideas of sustainable design and examining historical data on traditional buildings. The primary secondary information source was a report published in 2011 by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiques [30]. This report’s primary goal was to record an information database of Al-Ula’s heritage houses, created from analyses of the village houses, including examples of still-remaining buildings investigated on-site. Simultaneously, the researcher examined missing elements using existing documentation and studies in traditional Saudi vernacular architecture. The disclosed details pertained to the sustainable characteristics and tactics for constructing traditional Al-Ula dwellings. Data were analyzed to determine the sustainable concepts, tactics, and methodologies.

Tomovska and Radivojevic [31] adopted the approach described by Kim and Righton [20], who originally proposed three principles of sustainability in architecture: economy of resources, life cycle design, and humane design, as shown in Figure 8. Several other authors highlighted these principles and adopted them in their research. For instance, Bakri [32] and Yildiz et al. [33] described the sustainable design elements as a guiding conceptual framework consisting of three principles (conservation of resources, life cycle design, and humane design), strategies related to these principles, and methods related to these strategies. Additionally, Vezzoli et al. [34] introduced the concept of Design for Sustainability, emphasizing the importance of generating solutions that benefit society, the natural environment, and economic systems. This emphasis aligns with the overarching goal of sustainable design highlighted in the Sustainable Architecture Module by Kim and Rigdon, focusing on creating environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable designs. Moreover, Ndlangamandla and Combrinck [35] explore the environmental sustainability of construction practices in informal settlements, emphasizing the importance of sustainable construction methods in addressing environmental challenges. This aligns with the broader context of sustainable architecture education and design principles advocated by Kim and Rigdon in the Sustainable Architecture Module.

Other aspects of sustainability not included in Kim and Righton’s conceptual framework are cultural and social sustainability considerations, which are the leading derivatives of most environmentally sustainable strategies investigated in the framework. Thus, for the intended identification of sustainable strategies in building the heritage houses of Al-Ula, the conceptual framework of sustainable design created by Kim and Righton [20] was developed to include cultural and social aspects determined by logical argumentation. Resource economics refers to minimizing the consumption of natural resources by reducing, reusing, and recycling materials within a facility. Life cycle design offers a framework for examining the construction process and its ecological consequences. Humane design emphasizes the relationships between humans and the natural environment. The principles can provide a comprehensive understanding of the environmental effects of architectural consumption on a local and global scale. This study centers on the development of the third principle, humane design, as outlined in

Table 1. Sustainability design principle: strategies and methods. Source: initiated by [20] and developed by the author.

Principle	Ecological Sustainability			Cultural Sustainability	Social Sustainability
Strategies	Preservation of Natural Conditions	Urban Design and Site Planning	Human Comfort	Cultural Aspects	Social Approaches
Methods	Respect for topographical contours Non-disturbance of natural hydraulic process Preservation of existing flora and fauna	Integration of design with public transport Promotion of mixed-use development Avoidance of pollution contribution	Provision for thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort Provision for a visual connection with the exterior Provision for fresh, clean air Use of non-toxic and non-outgassing materials Accommodation of persons with different physical abilities	Embracing change Integrating sustainable design strategies Protection of cultural heritage Leveraging digital preservation tools Engaging the community	Preservation of cultural heritage Community engagement Promotion of social cohesion

.

This study focused on examining the correlation between the attributes of the heritage houses in Al-Ula and sustainable concepts, strategies, and methodologies. The sustainable practices used in the example of Al-Ula heritage dwellings are detailed in Table 1. Interest was expressed in the sustainable tactics and methods utilized in the Al-Ula dwellings, which stem from the houses’ layout, design, construction qualities, cultural aspects, and social approaches to sustainability. Five requirements are identified based on humane design and cultural and social sustainability. The criteria selection includes sustainability regarding many environmental aspects such as raw material extraction, manufacturing processes, construction techniques, and construction waste management. When assessing the ecological sustainability of Al-Ula Heritage Village, the parameters considered included the conservation of natural surroundings, urban design and site layout, and human well-being. Kim and Righton [20] suggest three sustainability concepts in architecture: resource efficiency, life cycle planning, and user-centered design. Resource economy focuses on minimizing the use of natural resources by using strategies such as reduction, reuse, and recycling within a building. Life cycle design offers an approach to examining the construction process and its ecological consequences. Humane design centers on the relationships between humans and the environment. Other crucial aspects of sustainability include cultural and social sustainability. Cultural sustainability encompasses four parameters: embracing change, integrating sustainable design strategies, leveraging digital preservation tools, and engaging the community.

4. Results and Discussion

4.1. Ecological Sustainability

Human-centered design is the paramount premise of sustainable design. It focuses on the sustainability of all components of the worldwide ecosystem, such as plants and fauna. This principle stems from the humanitarian and philanthropic aim of honoring the life and dignity of other living beings. This notion is based on maintaining the interconnected components of ecosystems essential for human survival. In contemporary culture, over 70% of an individual’s life is often indoors. Architecture is crucial in creating constructed environments that support occupants’ safety, health, comfort, well-being, and productivity. The significance of environmental quality, being intangible, has frequently been disregarded in the pursuit of energy and environmental preservation, which, at times, appeared to imply enduring discomfort. Exacerbating the issue, several architects have focused primarily on aesthetics and design, neglecting to prioritize environmental quality within and surrounding their constructed spaces. The following three ideas for humane design aim to improve the relationship between buildings and the environment and between buildings and their residents.

4.1.1. Preservation of Natural Conditions

The building designer should reduce the influence of a building on its indigenous environment (e.g., existent geography, plants, fauna).

• Respect for topographical contours

Figure 9a,b show that the Fortress of Musa bin Nasir is located on top of the rocky massif (Jabal Umm Nasir) in the middle of the Al-Deira neighborhood, located at the eastern end of the village and overlooking the agricultural area (Al-Basateen), as shown in Figure 9b. The ancestral inhabitants of Al-Ula chose this location because it serves the fortress’s protective function over the town. The fortress is built of sandstone and ascends to the heritage village through a staircase built of stone. It was stated that building the fortress on a hill overlooking the town (Al-Deira) was one of the methods used to defend and protect the village from dangers. This fortress was attributed to the Muslim leader Musa bin Nasir.

b.

Non-disturbance of natural hydraulic process

The village houses were constructed on a higher elevation in the valley to prevent flooding in the rainy season. Additionally, most of the alleys have been paved with stone, and there are sewers for draining rainwater as it descends the farms. This rain drainage network, which passes from under the houses and corridors to the water collection in the Ain Tadu’l, consists of trenches with a depth of no more than 40 cm of stone and a width of not more than 50 cm, and their inclinations are in line with the inclinations of the corridors.

c.

Preservation of existing flora and fauna

The village was linked to the farms on the eastern side, with no road. The farms surrounded the eye and the entire central and northern region’s agricultural land [36]. Moreover, the southern part of Adur market is called Al-Manakhah, where livestock brought in from the desert are displayed.

4.1.2. Urban Design and Site Planning

Collaborative planning can help lower energy and water consumption in neighborhoods, cities, and larger geographical areas. The outcome may be an improved urban setting that is devoid of pollutants and hospitable to nature.

• Integration of design with public transport

The town of Al-Ula is characterized by its narrow streets, zigzag paths, and the inconspicuous nature of the squares. Individuals’ private property (houses) are located alongside public property (roads), and roads are generally classified into the following categories:

• Permeable roads (with open ends), whose widths increase so that animals can walk with luggage (Figure 10a,b).
• Non-permeable roads (with closed ends) are roads for a group of buildings, and houses on both sides of those roads serve a group of common properties and may not allow the passage of animals loaded with luggage (Figure 10a,b). Such roads have several features:
  • They make the streets quieter and safer for residents.
  • They stimulate population interaction through short, non-contact methods and promote interaction without direct physical touch between residents.
  • They provide a sense of local identity.

b.

Promotion of mixed-use development

The old town of Al-Ula was characterized by functional integration: all of the uses required by the residents were concentrated where residential use naturally prevailed. It was a residential and commercial area, as shown in Figure 11. In addition to the mountainous area that divided the region into two parts or neighborhoods, the Al-Ain area (Ain Ta’dal) was a water source for the inhabitants of the old town of Al-Ula.

c.

Avoidance of Pollution Contribution

The alleys are long, winding, and narrow; some permeate each other and are roofed, except for some parts that allow the entry of light and air, and their width ranges between two and three meters. The broken lines of pedestrian corridors discourage the movement of winds inside them, in addition to providing a degree of shade and natural protection inside the corridors. The efficiency of these corridors increases when they become roofed or semi-roofed, as they provide natural protection for pedestrians from direct sunlight or protection from dust suspended in the atmosphere. In the alleys, shown in Figure 10a, there are decks where people sit, exchange conversations, and buy and sell items. Most of the alleys were paved with stone, reducing the risk of dust from the heated floor, as shown in Figure 12a–c.

4.1.3. Human Comfort

Designing sustainably does not have to sacrifice human comfort. Design should improve work and home environments by enhancing productivity, alleviating stress, and promoting overall health and well-being.

• Provision for thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort
  • At the planning level

Free and straight planning exposes various components, such as housing, streets, and corridors, to many external environmental influences, such as direct or hot sunlight, radiation transmission, or airborne soil. Compact alleys aim to reduce exposure to harsh external climatic conditions as much as possible and increase the amount of shadow, as shown in Figure 13a–d. One of the advantages of integrated planning is that it reduces the lengths of roads and corridors, and the broken lines of pedestrian corridors discourage the movement of winds inside them, providing a degree of shade and natural protection inside the corridors. The efficiency of these corridors increases when they become roofed or semi-roofed, as they provide natural protection for pedestrians from direct sunlight or protection from dust suspended in the atmosphere. There is a set of bioclimatic and field studies for such enhancement.

The research revealed several findings, the most significant of which include the following:

• The use of shading is an absolute necessity to reduce the exposure of buildings to direct sunlight.
• Blocks are distributed in residential neighborhoods so that they follow the system of large courtyards and gradually move to small courtyards connected by shaded roads.
• Pedestrian paths are protected from climatic conditions by narrowing them, with parts covered or shaded.

  ii.

  At the building design level

On a smaller scale is the building design; the methods used to naturally adapt buildings to the surrounding environment vary, as it is necessary to consider the house’s mass, form, orientation, and treatment of its elements, such as walls, openings, and ceilings, as well as the use of air intake elements such as inner courtyards.

Indeed, the internal climatic environment of the spaces overlooking the courtyard inside the building is significantly enhanced, as seen on the upper courtyards shown in Figure 14. Studies have shown that buildings with courtyards are highly preferable in hot, non-desert regions. Significant portions of the courtyard are shaded throughout the day, which helps alleviate thermal pressures on the rooms that face it during critical times. Moreover, the courtyard protects the building from sand and dust storms.

b.

Provision for a visual connection with the exterior

In Al-Ula Heritage Village, achieving a visual connection with the exterior involves using original natural stone. As emphasized in the context of architectural heritage, this ensures physical and aesthetic appropriateness and contributes to the authenticity and visual integration of the village with its natural surroundings.

c.

Provision for fresh, clean air

The courtyard functions as a natural cooling system for the buildings, exchanging warm air with cooler air during the night. The cold air, being denser, displaces the warm air inside, aided by morning breezes and sunlight. During the early hours of the day, the building’s interior warms up while the courtyard stays cool; such temperature difference is because of the shading in the courtyard and the reduced reflection of sunlight, which helps lower glare, regulate indoor temperature, and increase humidity. Narrow semi-shaded alleys contribute similarly to courtyards and help remove dust and ventilate houses through the stack effect. Cool air enters all lower parts of the houses to replace the hot air released by high-level openings.

d.

Utilization of toxic-free and non-outgassing materials

The dwellings are built with the resources available in the area. The most important are the stones cut from the mountain and the loamy soil from which bricks are made and used after drying in the sun (see Figure 15a–c). The thickness of the brick-bearing walls can reach up to 80 cm. The internal partitions, built of mud mixed with reeds, are less thick. The roof is made of palm trunks. Palm trunks can be divided into four parts according to the need and are placed on the load-bearing wall at distances of 80 to 120 cm. Monolithic boards of palm trunks or reed mats are placed on the trunks, followed by up to two clay layers. The dimensions of the rooms and corridors are determined according to the lengths of the palm trunks after they are cut. The dwellings consist of two levels connected by a narrow staircase made of mudstone.

The mud construction method is reflected in the shape and mass of the dwelling observable from the outside. It is noted that the openings are just holes in the walls without glass or shutters, which can be covered at night in the winter with sheepskin or some other material. The dwellings are accessed through narrow, partially covered alleys, with an internal stairway from the small residential yard on the ground floor. The first floor surrounds some residential rooms, and a fence or a high deck that obscures the view and casts its shadow over the residential yard and other housing elements. This shaded area can be used to sit in during the day.

e.

Accommodation of people with different physical abilities

The noticeable leveled ground of Al-Ula Village, except for one step in front of each house, provides limited accessibility to people of different ages and physical abilities. Additionally, compensation is made for the sloped nature of the ground, as shown in Figure 16, which could be a little challenging for this sensitive portion of the community.

4.2. Cultural Sustainability

4.2.1. Embracing Change

Cultural sustainability in Al-Ula Heritage Village can be achieved through a systematic approach that integrates various strategies and considerations. Preserving the village’s heritage involves the physical structures and the intangible cultural aspects that contribute to its identity and significance. By embracing change and fostering cultural resilience, heritage sites like Al-Ula can adapt to evolving circumstances while maintaining their essence [38]. This adaptability is crucial for ensuring that cultural heritage remains relevant and valued over time.

4.2.2. Integrating Sustainable Design Strategies

In the context of the Anthropocene era, where human activities significantly impact the environment, it is essential to view heritage beyond natural or cultural distinctions. Heritage sites like Al-Ula can serve as platforms for addressing broader social, economic, and ecological challenges, contributing to sustainable development [39]. Implementing urban sustainable design strategies can enhance heritage preservation’s environmental and social aspects [3]. Such approaches involve analyzing site conditions, incorporating sustainable design practices, and considering mobility patterns to create a more sustainable and resilient heritage environment.

4.2.3. Protection of Cultural Heritage

Furthermore, protecting traditional village cultural heritage within urban renewal projects is vital for sustainable urban development. By preserving these sites, cities can maintain their historical and cultural roots while promoting economic growth and tourism [40]. This dual focus on heritage preservation and urban development highlights the interconnectedness of cultural sustainability with broader societal and economic goals.

4.2.4. Leveraging Digital Preservation Tools

In the digital age, initiatives like the Jazeera Al Hamra (a former coastal village in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates) Digital Heritage Project showcase innovative ways to preserve tangible and intangible cultural heritage using digital technologies [41]. Digital preservation safeguards valuable knowledge and artifacts and ensures their accessibility for future generations, contributing to the long-term sustainability of cultural heritage [42].

4.2.5. Engaging the Community

Moreover, engaging the community through public education and technology, as seen in projects like the android application for cultural conservation in Indonesia, can help raise awareness and promote stewardship of heritage sites [43]. Involving local communities in heritage preservation efforts fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to more sustainable conservation practices.

4.3. Social Sustainability

Social sustainability in Al-Ula Heritage Village can be enhanced through a comprehensive approach that considers preserving cultural heritage, community engagement, and promoting social cohesion. Leveraging insights from various studies and frameworks can provide valuable guidance on fostering social sustainability in heritage architecture and urban environments.

4.3.1. Preservation of Cultural Heritage

One key aspect to consider is the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, as highlighted by [21]. Adaptive reuse improves material and resource efficiency and contributes to social sustainability by retaining historical structures and promoting community engagement. Preserving heritage buildings can enhance residents’ sense of identity and belonging, fostering social cohesion and a shared heritage [21]. Furthermore, as discussed [44], the attractiveness of adaptive heritage reuse can generate social benefits such as self-growth, health benefits, and recreational values. By creating aesthetically pleasing and culturally significant spaces, heritage architecture can serve as a hub for social interactions and community activities, promoting social sustainability in Al-Ula Heritage Village [44].

4.3.2. Community Engagement

In addition, evaluating the social values and willingness to pay to conserve built heritage [45] sheds light on the broader benefits of heritage conservation. Social values derived from heritage conservation include individual benefits like greater self-esteem and community benefits such as social cohesion and a sense of place. Understanding and promoting these social values are essential for ensuring the long-term social sustainability of heritage sites [45].

4.3.3. Promotion of Social Cohesion

Moreover, the role of community empowerment in sustainable cultural heritage management, as explored by Tsintskiladze [46], emphasizes the importance of engaging different stakeholders in preserving and managing cultural heritage. Community involvement enhances the understanding of cultural and social challenges and fosters collective responsibility toward sustainable resource management, contributing to social sustainability in heritage conservation efforts [46].

5. Conclusions

In conclusion, by integrating environmental, cultural, and social sustainability principles, building designers can create sustainable and harmonious spaces that benefit inhabitants and the surrounding ecosystem. Balancing the needs of the built environment with ecological, cultural, and social considerations is essential for fostering resilient and livable communities. In preserving natural conditions in urban settings, it is crucial for building designers to minimize the impact of structures on the local environment. Minimizing the impact on the ecological system involves respecting topographical contours, as seen in the case of the Fortress of Musa bin Nasir, strategically positioned on a rocky massif, which provided security and protected the village. Furthermore, maintaining the natural hydraulic processes, such as preventing flooding through elevated construction and rainwater drainage systems, is essential to uphold the ecological balance. Preserving existing flora and fauna is another crucial aspect, as observed in the village of Al-Ula, where the connection between the town and surrounding farms was maintained without disrupting the natural landscape. Urban design and site planning play a significant role in achieving sustainability goals. Integrating design with public transport, promoting mixed-use development, and avoiding pollution contributions are vital strategies. In terms of human comfort, sustainable design should prioritize thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort. By incorporating elements like shaded alleys, courtyards for natural cooling, and visual connections with the exterior using local materials, designers can enhance the comfort and well-being of occupants. Additionally, utilizing non-toxic and locally sourced materials in construction, accommodating individuals with different physical abilities, and ensuring fresh air circulation contribute to a healthy indoor environment.

By integrating cultural insights and frameworks into the planning and management of Al-Ula Heritage Village, stakeholders can work towards enhancing social sustainability by preserving cultural heritage, promoting community engagement, and fostering a sense of identity and belonging among residents and visitors. Furthermore, achieving social sustainability in Al-Ula Heritage Village requires a holistic approach considering environmental, social, economic, and technological dimensions. By embracing change, integrating sustainable design strategies, leveraging digital preservation tools, and engaging the community, heritage sites can thrive and contribute to the overall sustainability of their surroundings.

The study’s limitations included retrieving data about Al-Ula regarding sustainable strategies from one comprehensive survey by the State Board for Antiques and Heritage. Another limitation was the scarcity of studies related to the architectural side of the heritage village. A third limitation is the need for an in-depth analysis of cultural and social sustainability considerations, which could be more detailed in further research. Since renovation work has been carried out in the old town to transform it into an international heritage center to attract tourists, studies should include how to protect the place from the adverse effects of heritage tourism on local sustainability and the environment. These studies could have several branches, including economic, social, and heritage preservation.